In a demonstration of emerging cookery talent, TAFE NSW students have been given the opportunity to compete in the metro and regional Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat competitions.
Research shows NSW is experiencing a shortage of Chefs, requiring a pipeline of talented commercial cookery apprentices to meet demand and future-proof the industry’s workforce.
TAFE NSW students have demonstrated exceptional culinary talent, as regional and metro Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat competitions kick off across the state.
Successful winners from across the state will then compete for the highly coveted Nestlé Golden Chef of the Year Award in September.
Working to a set time limit, participants were required to prepare a main and desert, demonstrating skills in different cookery methods and with their own unique cooking flair.
First place at the NSW Metro Sydney competition was taken home by TAFE NSW student, Amber Varstag, who is studying Certificate III in Commercial Cookery.
Although only 19 years old, Amber wowed the judges with her culinary skills and is off to the Grand-Final Cook Off to compete against 12 other finalists from around the country.
"I was pretty nervous to work under the time pressure and put my skills to the test, but it was a great experience and showed me what I can do when I put my mind to it,” Amber says.
"With the help of my TAFE NSW training, I have been able to hone my own culinary style. I love exploring different flavours and influences, especially drawing inspiration from Asian-style cooking.
"Having the chance to represent TAFE NSW and the Metro Sydney region at the Grand-Final Cook Off and maybe even win the Golden Chef of the Year Award, is an incredible opportunity.”
TAFE NSW Commercial Cookery Teacher Colm Kennedy is excited to see young talent heading to the national stage.
"We have extremely high-quality apprentices coming through TAFE NSW. It’s great to see students like Amber achieving success and recognition for their skills,” he says. "We want to train apprentices with job-ready skills that will set them apart in the industry. Competitions like this give them the opportunity to flex those skills under pressure, in a real-world work environment.
"We’re proud to deliver a pipeline of students who have the practical experience, knowledge and talent to excel not only in industry, but on a national level.”
